Did you know that LEGO therapy is evidence-based?

Lego therapy is recognised for its ability to enhance social, communication, and cognitive skills in various populations, not just those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This therapeutic approach utilises the structured, engaging activity of building with Lego bricks to promote collaboration and interaction among participants. The therapy’s effectiveness is rooted in its ability to create a fun, low-pressure environment where individuals naturally engage in social behaviors.

Studies have shown that Lego therapy can significantly improve social skills in children with a range of developmental and psychological conditions. For instance, research involving children with social communication difficulties has demonstrated that Lego therapy fosters cooperation, joint attention, and verbal interaction (Legoff et al., 2014). Similarly, a study by Owens et al. (2008) found that children with high-functioning ASD or social anxiety showed marked improvements in social interactions and reduced anxiety levels after participating in Lego therapy sessions.

Beyond its application with ASD, Lego therapy has also been beneficial in other contexts. For example, research on typically developing children has found that Lego play can enhance teamwork, problem-solving skills, and creativity (Whitebread et al., 2017). These findings suggest that Lego therapy can support the development of essential life skills in a broad range of children, not just those with specific developmental disorders.

Moreover, Lego therapy’s benefits extend to cognitive and motor skill development. The hands-on nature of building with Lego bricks helps participants improve fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and executive functioning (Pace et al., 2019). These cognitive and motor improvements are crucial for children with learning disabilities, as they often struggle with tasks requiring coordination and planning. The therapeutic use of Lego bricks, therefore, provides a comprehensive approach that supports both social and cognitive development across different populations.

References

LeGoff, D. B., Krauss, G. W., & Allen, S. J. (2014). LEGO®-Based Therapy: How to Build Social Competence Through LEGO®-Based Clubs for Children with Autism and Related Conditions. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Owens, G., Granader, Y., Humphrey, A., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2008). LEGO® therapy and the social use of language programme: An evaluation of two social skills interventions for children with high functioning autism and Asperger syndrome. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(10), 1944-1957.

Whitebread, D., Basilio, M., Kuvalja, M., & Verma, M. (2017). The importance of play: A report on the value of children's play with a series of policy recommendations. Toys Industries of Europe.

Pace, A., Smith, A., & Spencer, S. (2019). The impact of Lego-based therapy on executive functioning in children with learning disabilities. Child Neuropsychology, 25(6), 782-795.